Young drivers are involved in collisions more than twice as often as the average driver, according to recent damage figures from Univé. And that has to change, which is why the insurer encourages young drivers to follow a special skidding course.
“We may be an insurer, but of course we prefer to limit the damage.” Henkjan Matthijs from Univé listens with great interest to the talks of course leader André Rozendom from Dibo training center in Emmen. “Through this training, young people have become more aware of what the car can do and how they should intervene.”
“That is badly needed!” Rozendom is sure. According to the enthusiastic course leader, novice drivers are uncertain behind the wheel. “Someone who is not trained drives purely on the risk. And we try to get that out here. Not that they feel they can do more, but that they are more aware of the dangers.”
Insurer Univé is in favor of the course and gives young motorists a discount on car insurance after participation. “I always wanted to do it and because of this action I am here”, says student Sanne. “There is also a subsidy for the course from the province.”
After a number of attempts, she has mastered the emergency stop. Just like Luca who drives a cool convertible: “I’m now looking for the limits of the car and I know how to react, for example, on a slippery road surface. I get in the car differently. I’ve learned to really put on the brakes and don’t slowly build up the brakes.”